Talented local young artists were presented with prizes at the inaugural Strathfield HSC Art Exhibition last night.

The awards, run by Strathfield Council were the ceremonial component of the six day long exhibition in Strathfield Town Hall, which showcases some of the high caliber pieces of work from artists at Strahtfield’s local high schools.

Najee Roude of Homebush Boys High School’s Desolate of Mind piece took out the major prize of $600 cash, donated by Homebush Bendigo Bank. The painting was Roude’s HSC major work and was inspired by the Australian figurative and surrealist painter Peter Booth and aspects of his own culture using pastels, acrylic paint, impasto, sawdust, paper, paint thickener.

The exhibition is a first for Strathfield Council and has seen great collaboration from local high schools, the Australian Catholic University, local businesses and a number of volunteers who have helped bring the show together.

Mayor of Strathfield, Cr Gulian Vaccari who co-judged the competition along with two local artists, said the exhibition is nothing short of impressive.

“The quality of artworks on display is a true reflection of the talent that is found within Strathfield’s educational facilities and it extremely impressive.

“These works are a credit to the students, the teachers who have mentored them and their schools as well as the wider community, who have the chance to come and see the works in a free exhibition. I encourage you all to do so.” Cr Vaccari said.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until Monday 10 December, at which time a People’s Choice Award will also be awarded.

2012 Strathfield HSC Art Exhibition prize-winners

Winner: Najee Roude (Homebush Boys High School) – Desolate of Mind, painting

Runner Up: Jeremy Chung (Homebush Boys High School) – Animated Memories and Shhhh…me, painting and ceramics

Best Painting or Sculpture: Haneul Kanj (Homebush Boys High School) – Descent into Abstraction, painting

Best Drawing or Printmaking Award: Paul Ragonese (St Patrick’s College) – The Eyes of Another, drawing

Year 11 Development of Artistic Practice Award: Akhilanand Singh (Homebush Boys High School), various

Year 11 Encouragement Award: Nicole Khalil (Santa Sabina College), 9 Steps of Beauty, photomedia